Seat pocket storage apparatus

ABSTRACT

A seat storage apparatus for storing an article relative to a seat, the apparatus comprising a flexible first layer, a flexible second layer coupled to the first layer to define a first pocket having a first opening, the first pocket configured to shroudably slide over at least a portion of a seat, and a flexible third layer coupled to the second layer to define a second pocket having a second opening, wherein the second pocket is adjacent to the first pocket and configured to store an article below the seat.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/583,900, filed Jun. 29, 2004, entitled “Flexible Seat pocket and Storage Apparatus,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to seats with removable article holders or receptacles. More particularly, the present invention relates to stadium and theater seat covers having storage pockets disposed therein for storing articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stadiums, theaters, and other sporting and entertainment venues generally provide seating for viewers and spectators with rows of flip-down style seats. These venues are designed to seat a large number of people in a given area, which can result in limited storage room for coats, hats, gloves, handbags, books, programs, and other personal items. While limited space might be available on the floor in front of the spectator or under the seat, any items left in this space can become soiled from dirt, food, and beverage spills, or from the shoes of those in neighboring seats if they inadvertently step on or kick any items on the floor. Also, coats hung on a seatback can fall onto the floor and can also impede another spectator's space in an adjacent row. Handbags and purses might tempt thieves or pickpockets if left unattended on the floor or seatback. Items placed on the floor can also be accidentally left behind after an event and finding and retrieving these items can be difficult or impossible.

Many large venues are outdoors, such as sporting arenas or outdoor amphitheaters, at which seats can become wet or dirty from the environment. Further, these venues, whether indoor or outdoor, often offer a variety of food items, beverages, and other concessions that can be enjoyed by spectators during events. Unfortunately, food items and beverages are frequently spilled or left on the seats where they leave residue that can soil a later seat occupant's clothing. Personal items stored on the floor or seat can also become wet or dirty from spills or the environment. Movie theaters, in particular, also provide limited lighting in which to examine the seats and floor prior to sitting on the seat or setting down personal items on the floor for any dirt, food, or beverage residue left by a previous seat occupant.

As a result, there is a need for a seat storage apparatus that substantially addresses the problems inherent with conventional seating in stadiums, theaters, and other venues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves many of the problems associated with conventional seating in stadiums, theaters, and other venues, specifically the lack of storage and unclean seating surfaces, by providing a seat storage apparatus for storing articles relative to a seat.

In one aspect, the invention comprises at least a flexible first sheet, and a flexible second sheet coupled to the first sheet to define a first pocket having a first opening, the first pocket configured to selectively shroudably couple with a portion of a seat, and a flexible third sheet coupled to the second sheet and/or the first pocket to define a second pocket having a second opening, the second sheet and second pocket configured to store an article relative to the seat. In a further aspect, the first and second openings are generally oriented such that each is facing in opposite directions with respect to the other.

In another aspect, the invention pertains to a method for assembling or forming a seat storage apparatus for storing an article relative to a seat. The method can include providing a flexible first sheet, coupling a flexible second sheet to the first sheet to define a first pocket configured to selectively shroudably couple with a portion of a seat, and coupling a flexible third sheet to the second sheet and/or the second pocket to define a second pocket configured to store an article relative to a seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair having a seat pocket disposed thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat is depicted in the flipped-up configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chair having a seat pocket disposed thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat is depicted in the flipped-down configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention after reversing the seat cover.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a partially assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a partially assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembled seat pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention prior to reversing the seat pocket; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a chair having a seat pocket disposed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seat pocket is coupled to the seat back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a flexible seat pocket 10 is depicted. As depicted, the seat pocket 10 is generally used in conjunction with a seat, such as a stadium, theater, or other venue seat, which is depicted by the numeral 12 in FIG. 1. The stadium seat 12 generally includes a seat bottom 14, a seat back 16, and a pair of armrests 18. A myriad of various seat configurations are available for use with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the seat pocket 10 generally comprises a first sheet layer 20, a second sheet 22 operably joined or coupled to the first sheet 20, and a closure assembly 23. The closure assembly will be described in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first sheet 20 of the seat pocket 10 is depicted. The first sheet 20 generally comprises a first unfinished or raw edge 24, a second finished edge 26, and a pair of generally opposed sides 28. As depicted in FIG. 1, the first edge 24 of the first sheet 20 can be unfinished prior to assembling with the second sheet 22. The second edge 26 can be finished, for example, by folding the previously unfinished edge upon itself and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. In various embodiments, the first unfinished or raw edge 24 and sides 28 can also be finished by folding the previously unfinished edge or sides upon themselves and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. Finishing the edges and sides can prevent the fabric or material from unraveling and also can provide the seat pocket 10 with a neat and attractive appearance.

The first sheet 20 can comprise a portion of the seat cover compartment 44 or a portion of the storage compartment 42 of the various embodiments, as the seat pocket 10 can generally be removably and selectively installed on or over a seat bottom 14 in either orientation. The storage compartment 42 and seat cover compartment 44 are described in greater detail herein.

In an embodiment, the first sheet 20 comprises denim, canvas, or another relatively heavy-duty material to provide durability and additional protection for indoor and outdoor stadium uses. In other embodiments, the first sheet 20 comprises fabric or cloth having sufficient elasticity, such as a cotton/polyester blend, e.g., LYCRA or SPANDEX, to enable the first sheet 20, in communication with the second sheet 22 when assembled, to be stretch-fitted securely onto or shroudably over a seat bottom 14 or back 16 as a seat cover compartment 44 or to be stretched sufficiently to provide ample storage room beneath the seat bottom 14 as a storage compartment 42.

It will be understood to those or ordinary skill in the art that various materials can be utilized for constructing many of the sheets of the present invention. I will also be understood to those or ordinary skill in the art that the sheets can be processed to be rigid and/or constructed of various rigid materials. The rigidity can provide stability and/or support to the seat pocket.

In other embodiments, the first sheet 20 can comprise a plastic or similar material. In embodiments in which the first sheet 20 comprises a relatively inelastic material, such as denim, canvas, or plastic, the seat pocket 10 can be specifically tailored for a particular seat bottom 14 or back 16 size and configuration such that the apparatus fits securely without substantial stretching.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the second sheet 22 of the seat pocket 10 is depicted. The second sheet 22 generally comprises a first raw or unfinished edge 30, a second finished edge 32, and a pair of generally opposed sides 34. As depicted in FIG. 7, the first edge 30 of the second sheet 22 is generally unfinished prior to assembling with the first sheet 20. The second edge 32 can be finished, for example, by folding the previously unfinished edge upon itself and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. In various embodiments, the first unfinished or raw edge 30 and sides 34 can also be finished by folding the previously unfinished edge or sides upon themselves and sewing or gluing a seam or using a finishing tape. Finishing the edges and sides can prevent the fabric or material from unraveling and also can provide the seat pocket 10 with a neat and attractive appearance.

Referring to FIG. 3, the seat pocket 10 can also comprise a closure assembly 23 operably joined or coupled to one of the sheets for closing the storage compartment 42 included within the storage pocket 10 and securing articles therein. Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the closure assembly 23 can comprise a drawstring 38. The drawstring 38 can be attached proximate the sides 34 and edge 32 of the second sheet 22 using stitching, tape, glue, or any other fixation mechanism. The second sheet 22 can comprise a drawstring cutout or channel 36 to expose a central portion of the drawstring 38. The drawsting 38 can include a toggle 39 or clamp for keeping the drawstring 38 in a cinched state. As depicted in FIG. 7, the drawstring 38 can be severed or looped proximate its center to enable ends of the drawstring 38 to be inserted into the toggle 39 or clamp.

The second sheet 22 can comprise a portion of the seat cover compartment 44 or a portion of the storage compartment 42 of the various embodiments, because as stated, the seat pocket 10 can generally be removably and selectively shroudably installed on a seat bottom 14 or back 16 in either orientation. The storage compartment 42 and seat cover compartment 44 are described in greater detail herein.

The second sheet 22 can comprise fabric, cloth, or a similar material having an elasticity to enable the seat pocket 10, when assembled, to be stretch-fitted securely onto a seat bottom 14 or back 16, or alternatively to provide ample under-seat storage. When used as the storage compartment 42, the second sheet 22 can also comprise a fabric sufficiently elastic, such as those fabrics previously described with reference to the first sheet 20, to enable a variety of items of different sizes to be stored in the storage compartment 42. In an embodiment, the sheet or sheets forming the storage pocket portion 42 has a width greater than a width of the sheet forming the seat pocket portion 44 such that the underseat pocket 42 is larger to accommodate bulkier items, such as a large coat or backpack.

While the first and second sheets 20, 22 have been described as being comprised of certain materials, the sheets 20, 22, or any additional sheets utilized herewith, can comprise any material suitable for use as a seat cover or storage pocket. Such materials include various cloths or fabrics, such as, for example, broadcloth, calico, burlap, cambric, canvas, corduroy, crêpe, denim, felt, flannel, gabardine, gingham, lamé, linen, muslin, organza, satin, serge, silk, twill, velvet, or worsted. Such materials can also include fur, leather, paper, rubber, PVC, or nylon. The sheets 20, 22, or any additional sheets utilized herewith, can also be made of or comprise waterproof material, for example, Gore-Tex® or waxed denim or canvas.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the second sheet 22 comprises the cutout 36 through which the drawstring 38, cord, or similar fastening mechanism can be accessed to enable the storage compartment 42 formed by the first and/or second sheets 20, 22 to be secured. As depicted, the cutout 36 is on the second edge 32 of the second sheet 22. When the second edge is folded over to create the finished edge, an open area underneath the folded over portion can be created and can comprise a channel or passage 35 to hold, cover, and/or retain the drawstring 38. As described herein, the drawstring 38 can also be cinched or tightened using the toggle 39, which can then also be used for transporting the seat pocket 10 to and from events. In other embodiments, lock and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro), snaps, a zipper, or other fasteners can be used to secure the contents of the apparatus in the storage compartment 42. As depicted in FIG. 7 and described herein, the finished edge 32 second sheet 22 can be finished with a sewed, glued, or taped seam after the drawstring 38 has been inserted or covered and attached to the second sheet 22. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 8, the second sheet 22 can comprise one or more apertures 40 through which the drawstring 38, cord, or similar fastening mechanism can be accessed to enable the storage compartment 42 formed by the first and/or second sheets 20, 22 to be secured.

After the drawstring 38 or other fastening mechanism has been attached to the second sheet 22 and/or sides 34 and edges 30, 32 of the second sheet 22 have been finished as desired, the first and second sheets 20, 22 can be joined, as depicted in FIG. 9. The edge 24 opposite the edge 26 of the first sheet 20 can be sewed, glued, taped or otherwise joined or coupled to the edge 30 opposite the edge 32 of the second sheet 22. Next, referring to FIG. 10, the second sheet 22 is folded upon itself with the first sheet 20 in between to form a first pocket by bringing the edge 30 of the second sheet 22 to the seam formed by the coupling of the edges 24, 30 of the first and second sheets 20, 22, respectively. The sides 28 of the first sheet 20 are then sewed, glued, taped or otherwise coupled to the sides 34 of the second sheet 22 to form the second pocket between the first and second sheets 20, 22. The completed seat pocket 10, in an inside-out orientation, is depicted in FIG. 11 and can be ready for use after being reversed to the configuration as depicted in FIG. 3. Alternatively, The seat pocket can be used in the in the configuration as depicted in FIG. 11 and any of the sides or edges of the seat pocket 10 can be cut or cropped to create additional pockets.

The completed seat pocket 10 comprises a flexible first sheet 20, a flexible second layer as part of a second sheet 22 that is operably coupled to the first sheet 20 to define a first pocket 44 having a first opening 45, the first pocket 44 configured to selectively and slidably shroudably cover a seat, and a flexible third layer operably or integrally coupled or joined to the second sheet 22 to define a second pocket 42 having a second opening 43, the second pocket 42 configured to store an article relative to the seat. The first opening 45 and second opening 43 each comprise a margin 45 a, 43 a defined therealong, respectively. The first opening 45 and second opening 43 each also comprise an orientation.

In an embodiment of the seat pocket storage apparatus 10, the first pocket 44 has a length of fifteen inches plus or minus one inch (15.0″±1.0″) and a width of eighteen inches plus or minus one inch (18.0″±1.0″). In this embodiment, the second pocket 42 has a length of seventeen inches plus or minus one inch (17.0″±1.0″) and a width of eighteen inches plus or minus one inch (18.0″±1.0″). In an embodiment, the drawstring 38 is slightly longer than the width of the second pocket 42 to enable the toggle 39 to be operably coupled to the drawstring 38. For example, in the above embodiment, the drawstring 38 has a length of twenty-four inches plus or minus one inch (24.0″±1.0″). These exemplary embodiments and dimensions can be modified without departing from the spirit of any of the essential attributes of the present invention.

In the embodiments depicted in the figures, the first opening 45 and second openings 43 of the storage and seat cover compartments 42, 44, respectively, are generally oriented to face in opposite directions. The angle difference between the storage and seat cover compartments 42, 44 can be about one hundred and eighty degrees, but can vary without affecting the functionality of the seat cover. The generally opposed orientation of the first opening and second openings enables the seat cover compartment 44 to be slid onto or over a portion of the seat 12 in one direction, with the storage compartment 42 opening in the opposite direction. When the seat pocket 10 is placed onto the seat bottom 14, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the orientation enables a user sitting on a seat 12 to place articles into the storage compartment 42 and access the articles while remaining seated. Likewise, when the seat pocket 10 is placed onto the seat back, as depicted in FIG. 12, the contents of the seat pocket 10 can be easily accessed from the top when the seat cover compartment 44 is slid over the seat back 16. In other embodiments, the storage and seat cover compartments 42, 44 of the seat pocket 10 can be oriented at different directions. In these embodiments, the angle difference between the storage and seat cover compartments 42, 44 can be at any angle between one degree and one hundred and seventy nine degrees.

The storage and seat cover compartments 42, 44 can comprise equivalent sizes and configurations or can comprise different sizes and configurations, depending on the layer or sheet sizes, the method and location of attachment and/or folding, the material, and the like. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the storage compartment 42 can be longer than the seat cover compartment 42 and can comprise an additional flap 46 wherein the extra compartment length 46 can extend beyond the length of the seat pocket 44. In another embodiment, the seat compartment 44 can be longer than the storage compartment 44. The widths and heights of the seat and storage compartments 42, 44 can also vary.

The seat pocket 10 can also be assembled in other ways. For example, the seat pocket 10 can comprise three individual or separate sheets of fabric, cloth, or other material such that each is separately operably attached to an adjacent layer or margin to provide corresponding pocket and opening configurations. This can be desirable, for example, to represent a particular sports team's colors. In an embodiment, the first sheet 20 comprising a portion of the seat pocket 10 includes padding or quilting to provide a more comfortable seating surface. The padding can be cotton, foam, down, or any other material, such as a synthetic polymer, providing a more comfortable seating surface for a user. The fabric or cloth can also be customized with screen-printed or embroidered logos, or other indicia.

While the first and second sheets 20, 22 have been described as being joined using sewing, gluing, and taping, the sheets 20, 22, or any additional sheets utilized herewith, can be joined by other mechanisms, such as, for example, gluing, taping, and hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro) to create the first and/or second pockets 42, 44, and any additional pockets.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment of the seat pocket 10 the first sheet 20 forms at least a portion of the seat cover compartment 44. The seat cover depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 can also be installed with the seat cover compartment 44 or storage compartment formed by only the second sheet 22.

When installed on a seat bottom 14 as depicted, the first sheet 20 can substantially cover the seating surface of the seat bottom 14 and provides a clean and smooth seating surface for a user. The second sheet 22, forming the storage compartment opens towards the front of the seat bottom 14 and is easily accessible to a user when the user is seated or when the user is standing. When the user is seated, the seat bottom is generally in the flipped-down configuration, as depicted in FIG. 2. When the user is standing, the seat bottom is generally in the flipped-up configuration, as depicted in FIG. 1.

The seat pocket 10 can provide a clean and relatively secure storage compartment 42 for coats, hats, gloves, handbags, books, programs, and other personal items. The storage pocket 44 can also comprise one or more smaller, internal pockets of various sizes. The storage pocket can also include other structure for holding and storing objects, such as a snap-closure or an elastic loop on an external surface of the pocket 44 for holding an umbrella. As described in greater detail herein, in an embodiment, the seat pocket 10 comprises a drawstring 38, cord, or other fastening or securing structure for closing or substantially tightening the open portion of the storage pocket 44 to secure items stored inside.

The seat pocket and storage seat pocket 10 can be easily installed on seats by a venue owner or manager and removed periodically for any necessary cleaning. In an embodiment, the seat pocket 10 further comprises structure for coupling the seat pocket 10 to a seat bottom, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other fastening mechanisms/members to secure the seat pocket 10 to the seat so that it cannot be easily removed by users. The seat pocket 10 can also be transported by an individual user to and from a variety of venues for personal use.

In other embodiments, the seat pocket 10 can be used interchangeably on a seat bottom 14 and seat back 16. Installing the seat pocket 10 on the seat back 16 immediately in front of a user's seat 12 provides easily accessible storage while not interfering with the comfort or space of the person using that seat back 16. The seat pocket 10 can also be used on a user's own seat back 16.

In other embodiments, the seat pocket 10 can include more than two sheets and more than three sheets. In these embodiments, the seat pocket 10 can include more two or more seat cover compartments and two or more storage compartments.

The embodiments the seat pocket 10 of the various embodiments of the present invention can be folded into a compact configuration for ease of transport and storage. The seat pocket 10 can also be placed into a bag 50 for ease of transport and storage. In the compact configuration, the seat pocket 10 can be folded or compacted to a size of less than 100 cubic inches. In another embodiment, the seat pocket 10 can be folded to a size of less than 50 cubic inches. In another embodiment, the seat pocket can be folded into a size of less than 25 cubic inches. These exemplary embodiments and packing configuration volumes can be modified without departing from the spirit of any of the essential attributes of the present invention.

The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of any of the essential attributes thereof. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention. 

1. A seat storage apparatus for storing an article relative to a seat, the apparatus comprising: a flexible first sheet layer; a flexible second sheet layer operably coupled to the first layer to define a first pocket having a first opening, the first pocket configured to shroudably slide over at least a portion of a seat; and a flexible third sheet layer operably coupled to the second layer to define a second pocket having a second opening, wherein the second pocket is adjacent to the first pocket and configured to store an article adjacent the seat.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings open in opposite directions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first pocket is stretchable to enable the first pocket to shroudably slide over seats of varying sizes.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the second pocket is stretchable to enable to the second pocket to store articles of varying sizes.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second and third layers are integral.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third layers are integral.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third layers is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blend, denim, canvas, and leather.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and third layers are made of different materials.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first layer further comprises padding selected from the group consisting of: cotton, foam, down, synthetic polymer, and quilting.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third layers comprises an enclosure assembly selected from the group consisting of: a drawstring, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, and an elastic member.
 11. A portable kit comprising the apparatus of claim 1 and a bag configured to dispose the seat storage apparatus therein.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a drawstring operably coupled with at least one of the flexible layers proximate the opening of the second pocket; and a drawstring passage defined on the at least one of the flexible layers for at least partially retaining the drawstring therein.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a toggle coupled with the drawstring.
 14. A method for forming a seat storage apparatus for storing an article relative to a seat comprising: providing a plurality of flexible sheet layers, each layer having side margins and end margins defined thereon; and operably coupling the plurality of layers proximate the side margins to define a first pocket configured to shroudably slide over at least a portion of a seat and to define a second pocket configured to store an article relative to the seat, each pocket comprising an interior defined therein and an opening into the respective interior, wherein the openings of the first and second pockets open in opposite directions.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing an closure assembly operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of layers, wherein the closure assembly is selected from the group consisting of: a drawstring, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, and an elastic member.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising folding the operably coupled flexible layers into a compact configuration.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the compact configuration comprises a volume of less than 50 cubic inches.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: operably coupling a drawstring with one of the plurality of layers proximate the opening of the second pocket; providing a drawstring passage along at least one of the plurality of layers for at least partially retaining the drawstring; and coupling a toggle with the drawstring.
 19. A seat storage apparatus for storing an article relative to a seat, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of layers, each layer having side margins and end margins defined thereon, the layers operably coupled proximate the side margins to define a first pocket configured to shroudably slide over at least a portion of a seat and a second pocket configured to store an article adjacent to the seat, each pocket having an interior defined therein and an opening proximate the respective end margins, wherein the openings of the first pocket and second pocket open in opposite directions.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising means for closing the second pocket.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of layers is flexible.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of one of the plurality of layers is substantially rigid.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: a drawstring operably coupled with one of the plurality of flexible layers proximate the opening of the second pocket; a drawstring passage for at least partially retaining the drawstring; and a toggle coupled with the drawstring. 